.sbs New gTLD Application
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New gTLD Application Submitted to ICANN by: SPECIAL BROADCASTING SERVICE CORPORATION
Application Downloaded On: 01 May 2015
String: sbs
Application ID: 1-1080-34634
Applicant Information
- Full legal name
SPECIAL BROADCASTING SERVICE CORPORATION
- Address of the principal place of business
14 HERBERT STREET ARTARMON, NEW SOUTH WALES - 2064 AU
- Phone number
+612 9430 2828
- Fax number
+612 9430 3047
- If applicable, website or URL
http://www.sbs.com.au
Primary Contact
6(a). Name
Anna Ward
6(b). Title
LAWYER CONTENT AND RIGHTS
6(c). Address
6(d). Phone Number
+612 9430 3193
6(e). Fax Number
+612 9430 3047
6(f). Email Address
Secondary Contact
7(a). Name
Trevor Long
7(b). Title
Business Affairs Manager
7(c). Address
7(d). Phone Number
+61 41 241 8146
7(e). Fax Number
+612 9430 3047
7(f). Email Address
Proof of Legal Establishment
8(a). Legal form of the Applicant
STATUTORY CORPORATION
8(b). State the specific national or other jurisdiction that defines the type of entity identified in 8(a).
AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATION
8(c). Attach evidence of the applicant's establishment.
Attachments are not displayed on this form.
9(a). If applying company is publicly traded, provide the exchange and symbol.
9(b). If the applying entity is a subsidiary, provide the parent company.
9(c). If the applying entity is a joint venture, list all joint venture partners.
Applicant Background
11(a). Name(s) and position(s) of all directors
Name
Position
Bob Cronin Non-executive Director
Bulent Hass Dellal Non-executive Director and Deputy Chairman
Daryl Karp Non-executive Director
Elleni Bereded-Samuel Non-executive Director
Jacqueline Hey Non-executive Director
Joseph Skrzynski AO Chairman
Michael Ebeid Managing Director
Patricia Azarias Non-executive Director
11(b). Name(s) and position(s) of all officers and partners
11(c). Name(s) and position(s) of all shareholders holding at least 15% of shares
11(d). For an applying entity that does not have directors, officers, partners, or shareholders: Name(s) and position(s) of all individuals having legal or executive responsibility
Applied-for gTLD string
- Provide the applied-for gTLD string. If an IDN, provide the U-label.
sbs
14A. If applying for an IDN, provide the A-label (beginning with "xn--").
14B. If an IDN, provide the meaning, or restatement of the string in English, that is, a description of the literal meaning of the string in the opinion of the applicant.
14C1. If an IDN, provide the language of the label (in English).
14C2. If an IDN, provide the language of the label (as referenced by ISO-639-1).
14D1. If an IDN, provide the script of the label (in English).
14D2. If an IDN, provide the script of the label (as referenced by ISO 15924).
14E. If an IDN, list all code points contained in the U-label according to Unicode form.
15A. If an IDN, upload IDN tables for the proposed registry. An IDN table must include:
the applied-for gTLD string relevant to the tables,
the script or language designator (as defined in BCP 47),
table version number,
effective date (DD Month YYYY), and
contact name, email address, and phone number.
Submission of IDN tables in a standards-based format is encouraged.
15B. Describe the process used for development of the IDN tables submitted, including consultations and sources used.
15C. List any variants to the applied-for gTLD string according to the relevant IDN tables.
- Describe the applicant's efforts to ensure that there are no known operational or rendering problems concerning the applied-for gTLD string. If such issues are known, describe steps that will be taken to mitigate these issues in software and other applications.
The .sbs string and A-Label were developed in line with and checked against the eligibility, stability and policy criteria as stated in the ICANN Applicant Guidebook - version 2012-01-11. The results of those checks are as follows:
- The string has less than 63 characters;
- The string in ASCII is composed of three or more visually distinct characters;
- The ASCII label consists entirely of letters;
- The string is not a reserved name as shown in section 2.2.1.2.1 - Reserved Names of the ICANN Applicant Guidebook - version 2012-01-11; and
- .sbs is not identical or similar to any of the top 10 invalid TLD’s responsible for the majority of DNS pollution, as referenced in the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC)’s report on this topic at http:⁄⁄www.icann.org⁄en⁄committees⁄security⁄sac045.pdf. It is likely that the .sbs has not already been queried with meaningful frequency at the root. Therefore, it is unlikely that .sbs will inherit significant invalid query traffic.
Due to the positive results of these checks, Special Broadcasting Services Corporation does not believe that the .sbs gTLD will be subject to any operational or rendering problems.
- OPTIONAL.
Provide a representation of the label according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (http://www.langsci.ucl.ac.uk/ipa/).
18A. Describe the mission/purpose of your proposed gTLD.
THE MISSION AND PURPOSE OF THE NEW RESTRICTED .SBS gTLD IS TO BENEFIT INTERNET USERS BY ENSURING INCREASED TRUST, CONVENIENCE AND UTILITY.
The new .sbs gTLD will operate as a restricted registry, in which the Special Broadcasting Services Corporation (SBS) can create and control domain spaces that promote its brand identity and authenticity. In this regard, the .sbs gTLD will be used by SBS to provide information, services and resources relating to its broadcasting services to consumers, audiences and viewers in a way that promotes trust, ease of navigation and communication. The .sbs gTLD will provide an authoritative internet space for SBS, its affiliates and partners that are associated with the brand. Second and third level domains can then be utilised for information, news and entertainment purposes, with internet users assured of brand authenticity.
SBS is an Australian public broadcasting radio and television network first established in 1978 as an independent statutory authority under an amendment effected in 1978 of the Broadcasting and Television Act 1942 (Australia). SBS in its current form was established as a separate Australian Commonwealth authority incorporated for a public purpose in 1991 under the Special Broadcasting Service Act 1991 (Australia) (SBS Act). Operating under the SBS Charter (containing section 6 of the SBS Act), SBS is driven on the belief that all Australians, regardless of geography, age, cultural background or language skills should have access to high quality, independent, culturally relevant Australian media to reflect Australia’s multicultural society. SBS Television broadcasts in more than 100 languages and is watched by more than 8 million Australians each week. SBS Radio is the world’s most linguistically diverse radio network, broadcasting 68 language programs to a potential audience of more than 3 million Australians who speak a language other than English in their homes. SBS Online provides the most multilingual audio streaming programs compared to any other website in the world. SBS employs around 800 people representing more than 100 ethnic backgrounds and 80 languages to cater to its multicultural audience. With over 30 years on television, 35 years on radio and 13 years online, SBS has won over 600 awards including an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for ‘Harvie Krumpet’ in 2003 and being nominated for the same award for ‘The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello’ in 2005. SBS’ vision includes providing its consumers access to more multicultural and multilingual shows along with an increased online presence. In this regard, the proposed .sbs gTLD will aid in fulfilling SBS’ vision.
Since the inception of the current domain name system, business activities conducted on the internet are constantly changing and evolving with increased complexity. The volume of commercial transactions over the internet is constantly growing and bringing benefits of simplicity and lowered transaction costs to businesses and consumers. However, at the same time, criminal activities over the internet including data breach, hacking and phishing activities have also become more sophisticated resulting in loss of consumer confidence beyond mere monetary harm. The .sbs gTLD will facilitate greater trust and assurance from internet users connecting with SBS online, whilst still allowing convenient and efficient interaction.
SBS’ mission and purpose for the proposed new gTLD share ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest. SBS is committed to contribute towards achieving such initiatives in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments, which includes:
- consumer trust: the .sbs gTLD registry will be operated in a centralised manner with a restrictive registration policy. Registration of domain names will only be available to SBS and its affiliate entities, at this stage, which will provide added consumer trust that the .sbs domain names are trustworthy. As the .sbs domain names are subject to registration standards, policies and procedures under the control of SBS, this eliminates the possibility of malicious conduct within the .sbs domain space;
- competition: the proposed new gTLD is not intended to instigate competition and consumer choice at the level of registration of domain names among prospective registrants. Instead it is anticipated to contribute to ICANN’s initiatives to promote public interest through its operation focused on promoting consumer trust. Increased trust in the .sbs gTLD will drive existing and new top level domain (TLD) registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs; and
- consumer choice: the proposed new gTLD will enable user-driven improvements and innovations assisting SBS’ marketing efforts through its ability to create new second and third level domain names on demand. These names will provide the consumers with more choices for interacting with SBS. As SBS has effective control over the registration and use of domain names under the .sbs domain space, this will also contribute towards general service innovations on the internet.
Given the restricted nature of the .sbs gTLD, the projected number of registration is likely to be limited. It is anticipated that a more limited number of about 5 domain names will be registered in the first year. However, over the next few years, the number of registrations is likely to increase to about 15 to 50 domain names as SBS develops and implements relevant domain names for its products and services.
SBS is a well-recognised brand in Australia, reflecting its multicultural society with its “SBS” trademark registered in Australia, for categories such as Paper goods and printed matter (Class 16); Advertising and business (Class 35); Telecommunications (Class 38); Education and entertainment (Class 41) and Computer, scientific & legal (Class 42). SBS also has its “SBS World News Channel” and “SBS Radio the Information Network” trademarks registered in Classes 38 and 41.
SBS has 2 existing domain names with an exact match to the applied-for .sbs gTLD and “SBS” trademark in sbs.com.au and sbs.xxx and 7 existing domain names containing the applied-for .sbs gTLD including sbschill.com, sbschill.com.au, sbspopasia.com and sbspopasia.com.au. Further, SBS was recently successful in securing a sunrise application in the .xxx domain space based on existing trademark registration.
SBS believes that the .sbs gTLD is unlikely to cause confusion with either a generic term or any existing TLDs. SBS trademarks are a leading and an award-winning brand with significant reputation in Australia and across the world. SBS has used the term .sbs in conjunction with its media businesses for almost 35 years. As such, the SBS brand is well known for its media services. SBS’ International is the program sales division of SBS Television and sells long form programming and formats to buyers and broadcasters across the world in all continents, along with international releases of DVDs. SBS attends MIP & MIPCOM every year, and typically meet with over 100 different international companies. While the majority of traffic to and interest in SBS’ website originates in Australia and much of the content is geoblocked, over the past 12 months approximately 28% of SBS’ unique browsers have originated outside of Australia.
18B. How do you expect that your proposed gTLD will benefit registrants, Internet users, and others?
18(B) I. WHAT IS THE GOAL OF YOUR PROPOSED gTLD IN TERMS OF AREAS OF SPECIALTY, SERVICE LEVELS OR REPUTATION?
The key goals of the proposed new .sbs gTLD are in line with ICANN’s Affirmation of Commitments: to promote consumer trust, competition and consumer choice. SBS also seeks to foster its online reputation and provide an authoritative internet space through which SBS is able to communicate with its customers directly and effectively. The ability to create domain names on demand related to specific marketing, specialty service and product development supports these goals. Strengthened security measures, service levels and more effective functionality will provide a trusted and positive user experience.
18(B)II. WHAT DO YOU ANTICIPATE YOUR PROPOSED gTLD WILL ADD TO THE CURRENT SPACE, IN TERMS OF COMPETITION, DIFFERENTIATION, OR INNOVATION?
It is anticipated that the proposed .sbs gTLD will make positive contributions to the wider internet community by providing:
DIFFERENTIATION (INCREASED TRUST):
The .sbs gTLD will simplify how internet users interact with SBS by providing a distinctive domain space for access by viewers and audiences as a gateway to its various services such as SBS Television, SBS Radio and SBS Online. Internet users will be able to navigate to the .sbs gTLD site easily, saving time and resources searching for an official site or the relevant content of interest. It will also promote ease of communication for SBS when promoting the .sbs gTLD site on its television, radio and online services. The current domain name system has shown that it is vulnerable to malicious abuses due to registration of domain names which seek to exploit consumer confusion. By maintaining complete control over the domain names registered under the .sbs domain space, SBS will be able to differentiate its online presence for being a trustworthy and dependable source of information, news, sport and entertainment. From extensive research on SBS’ online access, SBS recognises the obstacle for users finding the relevant content amongst the huge diversity of content that the company offers. SBS anticipates that the proposed .sbs gTLD will streamline access and make it easier for its users to find and engage with the relevant content they need. Together with consumer trust, internet users will be able to rely on the authoritativeness of the domain names under the .sbs domain space, which will differentiate interaction between internet users and SBS online.
COMPETITION:
The differentiation of the .sbs gTLD as a trusted site for SBS will drive existing and new TLD registry operators to make improvements in mechanisms to improve consumer trust of their TLDs. Internet users will be encouraged to interact with domain names under the .sbs domain space. As a result, .sbs will have a flow on effect to enable increased competition. Therefore, the benefits of the proposed .sbs gTLD will be distributed not only to its direct customers, but to the internet community at large forcing improved services and competitive pricing in the market place.
INNOVATION:
With the expansion of the internet community to all corners of the world, the existing TLD structure presents limitations, not only in the availability of domain names for registrants, but also to businesses and organisations establishing a coherent global online brand presence to meet their evolving business needs. It is often difficult to register a domain name in the existing domain space due to unavailability of the desired name. Even when the desired domain name is available, it may come with a high price tag associated with a purchase of such desired name from a third party. SBS has the ability to create second or third level domain names including the use of IDNs on demand which are relevant to its multilingual customer base, services and products. SBS will be able to combine its use of the domain space with innovative user focused marketing and services to address the currently unmet needs in the existing domain name system providing greater consumer choice.
18(B)III. WHAT GOALS DOES YOUR PROPOSED GTLD HAVE IN TERMS OF USER EXPERIENCE?
The proposed .sbs will provide a positive user experience, which meets the changing and growing needs of the global internet community. SBS will maintain control in the registration and use of domain names and will ensure that the new gTLD will only be used for purposes authorised by SBS. Therefore, the .sbs gTLD will:
- provide an easy and intuitive reference and access point for promotional and marketing initiatives across SBS’ platforms via SBS Television, SBS Radio and SBS Online;
- represent authenticity by differentiating the .sbs brand from other online sites thus promoting user confidence;
- direct internet users to relevant information in a timely manner by creating domain names on demand and providing users with a more simplified domain name when accessing the relevant content they need from SBS’ large web network;
- allow the use of IDNs, at a later stage, to enable customer to interact directly in their native language and encourage the cultural and linguistic diversity that SBS upholds;
- enhance security and minimise security risks by implementing necessary technical and policy measures;
- strengthen brand reputation and user confidence by eliminating user confusion; and
- prevent potential abuses in the registration process reducing overall costs to businesses and users.
SBS does not intend to use geographic names or Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) at the second level initially. However, as the use of the .sbs gTLD evolves, it is anticipated that SBS will utilise geographic names and IDNs to:
- localise its websites in the regions relevant to its operation;
- connect internet users with relevant information as applicable to the territory;
- comply with required rules and regulations in the national territory;
- allow its multilingual internet users to engage with and access .sbs in their native language; and
- create a more positive user experience and encouraging diversity.
The use of geographic names will be in accordance with the registration policy and the proposed measures for protection of geographic names as outlined in response to Question 22.
.sbs should address the concerns that the current domain name system is open to potential malicious abuse and user confusion in the registration processes. Although the current system allows an eligible party to lodge a claim through existing Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) or other dispute resolution processes, the .sbs gTLD will reduce potential abuses in the registration processes and overall costs to internet users. User confidence in the domain name system will be strengthened, which will ultimately contribute towards promoting ICANN’s core values in benefiting the public interest.
18(B)IV. PROVIDE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICANTʹS INTENDED REGISTRATION POLICIES IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS LISTED ABOVE.
The proposed registration policy is attached in response to Question 28.
Only SBS’ own entities will be eligible to register domain names in .sbs at this stage. The domain name registration processes will address the requirements mandated by ICANN, including rights abuse prevention measures.
18(B)V. WILL YOUR PROPOSED gTLD IMPOSE ANY MEASURES FOR PROTECTING THE PRIVACY OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANTS OR USERS? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE ANY SUCH MEASURES.
SBS is committed to protection of privacy and confidential information in accordance with its objective of increasing consumer trust and providing a safe and legitimate internet space for internet users. Privacy and confidential information will be protected in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to internet security, privacy and user’s confidential information including the 11 Information Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988 (Australia).
SBS has also implemented its own privacy policy to demonstrate its commitment to the protection of user privacy and confidential information. Privacy is of fundamental concern to most of SBS’ customers so as such SBS has a strong interest in ensuring a high level of privacy protection for its customers. SBS’ privacy policy is available on its website www.sbs.com.au⁄aboutus⁄corporate⁄view⁄id⁄113⁄h⁄SBS-Privacy-Statement and includes provisions regarding:
- Collection: SBS only collects personal information for purposes that are directly related to its functions and activities under the SBS Act. When SBS collects such personal information, users will be informed of the reason and purpose for which the information is being collected. If the collection is authorised or required by law, SBS will inform the user of such a requirement.
- Information collected via SBS’ website: SBS may collect information relating to the user’s server address, date and time of visit and pages accessed for statistical purposes only.
- Use and disclosure: SBS will only use the personal information it collects and records for the purposes for which it was supplied unless the user has consented for the disclosure of the information for other reasons or has been made aware that such disclosure is likely.
- Access and correction: Users are entitled to obtain access to records that contain personal information about them by contacting SBS’ Privacy Contact Officer.
- Security: SBS takes steps to ensure that the personal information it collects is protected against loss, and unauthorised access, use, modification, disclosure or other misuse.
As the .sbs gTLD will only be available to affiliate entities of SBS, initially, the amount of personal data that will be collected for the purposes of operating the gTLD and made publicly available in the WHOIS database will be very limited. SBS will provide a publicly available and searchable WHOIS look up facility, where information about the domain name status, registrant information including administrative and technical contact details can be found in accordance with Specification 4 of the Registry Agreement. In order to prevent misuse of the WHOIS look up facility, SBS will utilise measures including a requirement where any person submitting a WHOIS database query is required to read and agree to the terms and conditions in accordance with the registration policy. This will include the terms of use that the WHOIS database is provided for information purposes only and that the user agrees not to use the information for any other purposes such as allowing or enabling the transmission of unsolicited commercial advertising or other communication.
SBS will deploy Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) which is intended to benefit both SBS and its users interacting with SBS online. DNSSEC provides additional security by validating information in the transmission, therefore it is intended to benefit those who publish information in the domain name system (DNS) and the users who retrieve information from the new .sbs gTLD. SBS already implements measures to protect privacy or confidential information of its users against misuse, loss, alteration and unauthorised access. Such measures include the use of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption and the implementation of other internal technical practices.
SBS will continue to apply all security measures currently implemented and will comply with all other policies and practices required by ICANN in the Registry Agreement and any relevant Consensus Policy for protecting the privacy and confidential information of registrants and users in the new .sbs domain space.
18(B)VI. DESCRIBE WHETHER AND IN WHAT WAYS OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS WILL HELP TO ACHIEVE YOUR PROJECTED BENEFITS.
The proposed new gTLD will be publicised by a media plan to promote recognition of the new gTLD within the internet community to be a trusted site and as a sign of authenticity.
SBS has television, radio and online platforms to use to promote the gTLD together with the resources of the marketing division to support the promotion. SBS will be able to very quickly change its domain name in all communication and ensure that Australians are aware of the new gTLD.
SBS would also seek to promote the .sbs brand in its internal communications, including implementing an email format such as
During the initial stage of the operation of the proposed new gTLD, it is anticipated that internet users will be re-directed to current websites. However, over time, it is foreseen that communication to the internet community of the existence of the proposed new gTLD and encouragement to utilise the trusted site will contribute towards minimising malicious abuses and protecting internet users.
18C. What operating rules will you adopt to eliminate or minimize social costs (e.g., time or financial resource costs, as well as various types of consumer vulnerabilities)? What other steps will you take to minimize negative consequences/costs imposed upon consumers?
As a restricted gTLD, registration will only be open to internal users (affiliate entities) at this stage and no third parties will be able to register domain names under the .sbs domain space. Therefore, it is not anticipated that third party trademark owners will incur costs in relation to the .sbs gTLD. The affiliate entities wishing to register domain names must ensure that all the policy requirements for registration are satisfied. SBS will utilise the services of the proposed Trademark Clearinghouse to ensure that domain names registered and the use of those domain names, do not infringe any registered third party intellectual property rights.
No unaffiliated third party will be permitted to register domain names at this stage. It is estimated that time and money spent by consumers who have been targeted by malicious abuse in utilising services on the internet will reduce over time as a result of the new, trusted .sbs gTLD.
18(C)I. HOW WILL MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR A PARTICULAR DOMAIN NAME BE RESOLVED, FOR EXAMPLE, BY AUCTION OR ON A FIRST-COME⁄FIRST-SERVE BASIS?
The initial use of the proposed new gTLD will be restricted to internal business use and SBS and affiliate entities are intended to be the registrants under the .sbs gTLD. Therefore conflicts between multiple applications are not anticipated to occur.
18(C)II. EXPLAIN ANY COST BENEFITS FOR REGISTRANTS YOU INTEND TO IMPLEMENT (E.G., ADVANTAGEOUS PRICING, INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNTS, BULK REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS).
This gTLD will be used for internal purposes only, at this stage, so pricing incentives are not applicable or relevant.
18(C)III. NOTE THAT THE REGISTRY AGREEMENT REQUIRES THAT REGISTRARS BE OFFERED THE OPTION TO OBTAIN INITIAL DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATIONS FOR PERIODS OF ONE TO TEN YEARS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE REGISTRAR, BUT NO GREATER THAN TEN YEARS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REGISTRY AGREEMENT REQUIRES ADVANCE WRITTEN NOTICE OF PRICE INCREASES. DO YOU INTEND TO MAKE CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS TO REGISTRANTS REGARDING THE MAGNITUDE OF PRICE ESCALATION? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PLAN.
This gTLD will be used for internal purposes only, at this stage, so pricing incentives or pricing increases are not applicable or relevant as no additional fees are to be charged.